Fugitive in Spring Hill slips up, answers to real name

In 1985, James Dixon was released from prison in Michigan, and while he was on supervised parole, he disappeared and went on the lam for thirty years.

Today, he gave himself away.

Heranndo County Sheriff’s Warrants Detective James Smith received a tip last week that Dixon, who had served time for armed robbery, was living in a Spring Hill home. Detectives kept an eye on the residence and on a possible vehicle that Dixon was reportedly driving.

Today, Smith conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle registered to Gary Dixon. The driver identified himself to Smith as Gary Dixon.

James Dixon has twin brothers, Gary and Larry Dixon, and officials suspected that James Dixon used at least one of his brother’s identities in the past.

While “Gary” was speaking with other deputies on scene, Smith called out “Hey, James.”

“Gary” quickly turned his head and looked at Smith to see what he wanted.

James Dixon put his head down knowing he had given himself away, detectives said. He then confessed his true identity.

He told detectives that he went on the run because Michigan would not transfer his probation to Florida, where he wanted to go because his family was here, deputies said.

Dixon, 53, was arrested and charged as a fugitive from justice. He is being held without bond and will be extradited back to Michigan.

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